ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- MichBio, the state life sciences organization, has confirmed the appointment of Stephen T. Rapundalo, Ph.D., as its new Executive Director.
“This appointment comes at a critical time in the development of the life sciences industry in Michigan,” said Randal Charlton, Chairman of the MichBio Board of Directors. “Stephen brings an outstanding combination of qualifications and experience to his role as the principal spokesman for the life sciences industry in the state.”
Dr. Rapundalo obtained his Ph.D. at the Medical College of Virginia, and subsequently spent many years at Parke Davis and Pfizer where he worked in drug discovery and development. At Pfizer he specialized in cardiovascular research and gained broad experience in leadership roles focused on international business development. Recently he has contributed to a number of Ann Arbor organizations including the Habitat for Humanity, Ann Arbor School for Performing Arts, American Heart Association, and the Washtenaw Development Council. He has been an elected member of the Ann Arbor City Council since 2005.
Dr. Rapundalo will lead a MichBio team that is dedicated to serving the interests of a statewide membership that includes drug discovery, medical diagnostic and medical device companies as well as professional organizations that provide services to the life sciences industry.
“MichBio has ambitious plans for helping to grow life sciences and jobs within the state,” said Dr. Rapundalo. “Importantly those plans have the strong support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In fact, it is precisely because of our record and operational assets that MichBio was chosen recently by the MEDC to administer the Life Sciences Pipeline Program as part of the 21st Century Jobs Fund initiative. As operator of the Pipeline, MichBio will coordinate commercialization of life sciences products and services, assist start-up companies, develop marketing, educational and networking programs to facilitate business activity, deal flow and growth of the industry.
“We will also work aggressively to attract new life science companies to the state.”
One of Dr. Rapundalo’s first tasks is to oversee MichBio’s second annual Expo scheduled for October 10, 11, and 12 in Grand Rapids.
MichBio
CONTACT: Stephen T. Rapundalo, +1-734-615-9543, or +1-734-476-0648, orRandal Charlton, Chairman, +1-313-220-0361, both of MichBio
Web site: http://www.michbio.org/
